USAG SCHINNEN, Netherlands - The Holiday Season is here and brings all of us assigned to and living in Europe an opportunity to discover age-old European traditions and to share the experience by sending your photos to paousagshi@eur.army.mil.

About 1,500 U.S., Romanian and Bulgarian soldiers enhanced their combat skills with the Deployable Instrumentation Systems Europe at the Babadag Training Area in eastern Romania and the Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria from the beginning of August to the end of October as part of Joint Task Force-East's 2009 exercise.

A new U.S.-led Kosovo Forces task force, made up of Soldiers from 37 states, officially took over responsibility of Multi-National Task Force-East on Saturday, joining units from five other NATO nations, all of which are maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo.

A platoon and a three-Soldier color guard from the 527th Military Police Company, 709th MP Battalion, 18th MP Brigade had the privilege of participating in a Feldjaeger Change of Command ceremony Nov. 2 at Castle Schleissheim in Munich, Germany.

Barracks' residents from the 212th Combat Support Hospital and 181st Signal Battalion "cleaned up" and took home more than half of the $6,000 cash award in the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern's 2009 Best Barracks Award Program.

The Save a Life Tour, an alcohol-awareness program designed to educate people about the dangers associated with drinking and driving, kicked off its European tour in Kaiserslautern and will be traveling to various installations through December.

Dr. Helmut Trotnow, director of Berlin's Allied Museum, answers a schoolgirl's question about the Cold War Nov. 7. The girl and her friends were celebrating a birthday at the museum. (Photo by Dave Melancon)

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Dealing with medical issues, from routine tests to major surgery or prolonged treatment, can often be daunting. For Americans receiving health care services in a foreign country, it can be downright intimidating. In the mid-1990s, as U.S. forces in Europe began to draw down in earnest, so did the number of U.S. military medical facilities available to provide health care to Americans eligible for treatment, and increasing numbers of those patients began getting referrals for care in host-nation medical facilities, according to Europe Regional Medical Command officials. To help American patients feel more comfortable and confident about that care, ERMC developed the host nation patient liaison program.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Military retirees were honored at the garrison's annual Retiree Appreciation Day last month in Grafenwoehr. Nearly 150 retirees and annuitants took advantage of services to update records, fix finance discrepancies and collect important information required for settling estates.
Distance didn't deter these "old Soldiers" from attending. They came from as far as Brandenburg in the north to Austria and Garmisch in the south. The Berlin and Garmisch Retiree Councils chartered transportation to bring retirees from their communities.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Lt. Col. Reed Hudgins assumed command of the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from the unitAca,!a,,cs outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Roscoe, during a change of command ceremony at the Grafenwoehr Physical Fitness Center, Oct. 22.
This change of command ceremony held special significance for the 18th CSSB because in addition to a new commander, the unit simultaneously received a new command sergeant major when Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Witzel replaced outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Kroontje.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Over the past several months, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr has welcomed home Soldiers from 18th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade and 172nd Infantry Brigade. Garrison leadership and agencies, as well as both brigades, have worked hard to ensure that nearly 1,000 returning Soldiers are being taken care of.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - More than 150 Soldiers and family members filled the Grafenwoehr Field House, Oct. 28, to witness as four leaders rededicated themselves to their community by re-signing the Army Family Covenant.
"Our Army is the strength of our nation ... our families are the strength of our Army," said Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commander, Joint Multinational Training Center. "The Covenant is about a commitment ... to continue to ensure we have a community that is strong."
Salazar mentioned several improvements the Covenant, which was originally signed Oct. 8, 2007, has brought to the Grafenwoehr community in the past two years.

LIVORNO, Italy - During the month of November Camp Darby's Army Community Services is showing its appreciation for Military Families with a special barbecue and new programs like the single parent support group. One event that highlighted the sacrifices made by families supporting their service members was a chili and rib cook-off and barbecue appreciation event Nov. 10.

This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, people are honoring our brother and sisters in arms around the world. One World War II veteran traveled around the world to come back to areas that he helped liberate in Italy and France.

Students from the AFNORTH International High School and the Geilenkirchen Elementary School gathered with service and family members of the tri-border community to honor all Veterans at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial Nov. 11.

Fireworks illuminate Berlin's Brandenburg Gate as thousands celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nov. 9. U.S. Army Europe members participated in many of the events saluting the anniversary.

SCHWEINFURT, Germany -- The pitcher has the catcher. The quarterback has the wide receiver. And the guard has the forward. Two members of a team come together to complete the play, close out the game - or finish a deployment.

Cold War-era Berlin Wall patrols were a visible message to the East and West German people and the Soviet Union that the U.S. and its allies stood ready to defend West Berlin and democracy. For U.S. Soldiers assigned to the former U.S. Army Europe Berlin Brigade, it was a strategic message delivered in tactical terms, said Dr. Harold E. Raugh Jr. of the V Corps command history office during a Nov. 5 ceremony here for the opening of the Allied MuseumAca,!a,,cs Aca,!A"Wall PatrolAca,!A? exhibit.Aca,!A"Soldiers were expected to fight like hell if necessary for U.S. rights and a free Berlin,Aca,!A? Raugh said. Aca,!A"IAca,!a,,cm sure this was the same for our allies.Aca,!A?

WIESBADEN, Germany - For the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, making a difference starts with awareness and understanding.
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More than 80 people participated in the garrison's Oct. 24 Autism Awareness Walk in Hainerberg Housing.

WIESBADEN, Germany - An all-hands briefing Oct. 23 addressed the command's focus on Comprehensive Community Fitness, ongoing efforts to enhance customer service and the impact of transformation within U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden.

The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart intramural soccer team defeated the top-seeded Grafenwoehr at the U.S. Forces Soccer Championship semi-final game at Camp Darby, Italy, Oct. 25, giving the team a third place finish overall.

Susan Morris is the best teacher in the Department of Defense.
Don't just take her students' word for it: the BAfAPblingen Elementary/Middle School teacher was recently named the Department of Defense Education Activity's Teacher of the Year for 2010.

Sgt. Michael Scarlett, aka "Elvis," performs a medley of American pop hits with the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus during the 15th annual Berlin Military Music Festival at Berlin's Max Schmeling Hall Nov. 7.

Each year on Nov. 4, Italians come together to celebrate Giorno delle Forze Armate, Italian Armed Forces Day, a day of national unity to commemorate the Allied victory in World War I and to pay tribute to the Italian Armed Forces, past and present.

Unlike traditional inspections, the review team from the USACE North Atlantic Division will look at the processes the Europe District employs to ensure quality assurance. NAD's review team, led by Deleppo, will also bring members from other districts to go over the Europe District's processes and programs.

BIM is already required in many projects across the Corps of Engineers' mission areas and divisions. The challenge for the Europe District is that many architects in Germany do not have much experience with BIM.

BAMBERG, Germany - Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston visited with Soldiers in Bamberg on Nov. 5 to thank them for their military service. Preston focused on several Army issues, which included the Army's strengths, successes and challenges.

SCHWEINFURT, Germany -- Soldiers returning from a deployment must reintegrate back into a normal military routine away from combat, but while they adjust to all the changes within the Army environment, they also often face changes on the home front.

ADAZI TRAINING AREA, Latvia (Nov. 4, 2009)-Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe commanding general, receives an weapons systems overview from Col. Dzintars Roga, Latvian land forces commander, during his first visit to the country. Ham visited Latvia to advance bilateral cooperation between the two countries and personally thank the Latvian soldiers for their many sacrifices while serving side-by-side with the Americans in Afghanistan. USAREUR will participate in a large military exercise with all three Baltic nations in October 2010.

Five American cemeteries are located in the Benelux footprint and are not only a lasting memorial to the men and women who rest there, but they are also a link that binds the military of today to the military of yesterday.

NORMANDY, France - Sixty-five years ago, men of the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions were lacing up their boots, strapping on their chutes and jumping into the unknown for not just a battle, but a war.

When U.S. service-members deploy outside the borders of the nation in which they are based to take part in joint and combined exercises and operations, one of the main issues is where to take American forces personnel if they become ill or injured.

The Second World War was, by definition, played out on a truly global stage. The Brussels American Community includes a member whose roots lie in the soil of our Benelux region, but who, as a direct result of the conflict's titanic drama, became an American citizen, doing a full career in the U.S. military and public service.

The holiday season is approaching quickly, as are the deadlines for mailing those beloved holiday cards and packages in order to reach their stateside destinations in time for Christmas. To allow more time for mailing, USAG Schinnen's Postal Operations offers extended hours during the holiday season, beginning Nov. 21.

WIESBADEN, Germany - "Physically challenged does not mean mentally challenged."
This was only one of many resounding remarks made by guest speaker Wanda Watson-Mays, U.S. Army Europe Affirmative Employment and Special Emphasis Program manager, during the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Disability Employment Awareness Month event Oct. 20 in the Community Activity Center to encourage employment of disabled personnel.

WIESBADEN, Germany - When 1st Armored Division Soldiers deploy to Iraq early next year, one of their missions will be to help ensure equipment and other items are properly prepared and ready for shipment to meet current agreements calling for U.S. combat forces to leave the country by the end of 2011.

ROTA, Spain - Even before the sun rose over the U.S. naval station in Rota, Spain, personnel from the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager-Europe were working on the mammoth task of off-loading a three-story cargo ship filled with critical equipment destined for Afghanistan.

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA (Nov. 2, 2009)-Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe
commanding general, alongside Brig. Gen. Jonas Vytautas Zukas, commander of
the Lithuanian Land Force, review the Lithuanian Honor Guard Platoon Nov. 2
here. Lithuania is a crucial partner of the United States in ensuring
security and protecting liberty, both in Europe, and in cooperation with
other NATO member states in Afghanistan.

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - "Wind of Change" by the German rock band The Scorpions is not a song you would expect to hear at a military ceremony. Yet, it seemed the perfect prelude to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's retreat and retirement ceremony at the parade field on Panzer Kaserne Oct. 30.

SCHINNEN, Netherlands -- Designated as National Military Family Month, November is a time to reflect upon the military family and the contributions each family member makes to our communities and country.

The Soldiers of the 160th Forward Surgical Team deployed to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center at Hohenfels, Germany recently to polish their skills and gain valuable experience training together while also working closely with the 212th Combat Support Hospital. The exercise enabled the Soldiers of the FST to assemble their three-tent, Level II facility, and be prepared to receive patients during the notional events taking place around the JMRC training area.

Headquartered out of Miesau, the 212th CSH deployed to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels recently, to demonstrate the readiness of the unit and to exercise the crucial tasks involved with deploying to a field site, establishing a hospital and conducting various sustainment operations. Also, preparing TF Med Falcon for their upcoming deployment to Kosovo.

In eight years, Staff Sgt. Stanley E. Black, noncommissioned officer and platoon sergeant at the Grafenwoehr Army Air Field in Grafenwoehr, Germany, has climbed the ranks from Private, E-2, to Staff Sergeant, won the U.S. Army Europe's 2008, Soldier of the Year competition, and in March, trades-in his chevrons for an Army officers stripes.

USAG SCHINNEN, Netherlands -- An international mix typical of a tri-border community that hosts numerous NATO units enjoyed a clear, cool night as Service and Family members, community volunteers and local Dutch guests scurried 'round the trunk-or-treat path Oct. 30, 5:30 to 7 p.m. here.

ROTA, Spain - Even before the sun rose over the U.S. naval station in Rota, Spain, personnel from the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager-Europe were working on the mammoth task of off-loading a three-story cargo ship filled with critical equipment destined for Afghanistan.

Nothing says pride like a Soldier in uniform. Today's Soldier has much to be proud of in the current Army Combat Uniform, but the Army is always looking for way to make it better and more well-suited to the needs of the Soldier.

SCHWEINFURT, Germany - Soldiers and family members of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) continue with preparations for the upcoming deployment having recently completed the family pre-deployment preparation phase Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Conn Community Club in Schweinfurt.

HEIDELBERG, Germany - Three Europe-based Soldiers are among 12 members of the U.S. military Family selected to compete in the final week of competition in the Operation Rising Star singing contest, scheduled for Nov. 14, 16, 18 and 20 at 8 p.m. in the Wallace Theater.

BAMBERG, Germany - Tricare is now offering a new web-based behavioral health care service. Beneficiary must have access to a Skype account to use the service. The main goal of the program is to use new technologies to enhance beneficiaries' health care experience

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (Oct. 26, 2009)--Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Europe's 208th Finance Detachment are recognized by Gen. Carter F. Ham, USAREUR commanding general for their hardwork and sacrifice in support of Operation Iraq Freedom.

TITLE:Awarding 50 years of government service WEB LINK: www.5sigcmd.army.mil Mr Hollis award GEN Ham BG Smith.jpg: WIESBADEN, Germany (October 29, 2009) -- Gen. Carter Ham (right), commander, U.S. Army Europe, and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith, Jr. (left), commander, 5th Signal Command, stand with Winston A. Hollis (center) in 5th Signal's conference room, after he was presented with a 50-years of U.S. government service certificate by Ham. "We have a very capable and dedicated civilian work force who are just as dedicated as military Soldiers," said Ham. Hollis has served the last 11 years in 5th Signal as a logistics management specialist. (Photo by Kristopher Joseph, 5th Signal Command) Mr Hollis award GEN Ham.jpg: WIESBADEN, Germany (October 29, 2009) -- Gen. Carter Ham (right), commander, U.S. Army Europe, applaudes Winston A. Hollis in 5th Signal's conference room, after he was presented with a 50-years of U.S. government service certificate by Ham. "We have a very capable and dedicated civilian work force who are just as dedicated as military Soldiers," said Ham. Hollis has served the last 11 years in 5th Signal as a logistics management specialist. (Photo by Kristopher Joseph, 5th Signal Command)

HOHENFELS, Germany - Responsibility for all single Soldier barracks at U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels will soon transfer from units to garrison employees-a change that will make a big difference in the lives of single Soldiers and their first sergeants. As part of the Army's First Sergeant's Barracks Initiative, a team within the Department of Public Works Housing division will soon be responsible for all administrative responsibilities of Hohenfels barracks, freeing units and first sergeants of the huge workload associated with running them while simultaneously improving Soldier quality of life.

HEIDELBERG, Germany - Hot commodities on the gift-giving market are turning into a hotter issue for safety officials.
Electronic charging units designed for use in motor vehicles for a variety of portable music players and other electronic gadgets have been identified as culprits responsible for vehicle fires.

VAZIANI TRAINING AREA, GEORGIA (Oct. 27, 2009)--Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe commanding general, receives a demonstration on the capability of a Georgian amphibious assault vehicle Oct. 27 here. Immediate Response 2010, a bilateral, combined U.S. and Georgian exercise to prepare for upcoming deployments to Afghanistan, kicked off Oct. 27 and will continue through Nov. 7 in the Vaziani Training Area near Tbilisi. This exercise is the third Immediate Response exercise to be conducted with Georgia.

FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Twelve members of the U.S. military Family have been selected to compete in the final week of competition in the Operation Rising Star singing contest, scheduled for Nov. 14, 16, 18 and 20 at 8 p.m. in the Wallace Theater.

Ahhh...the alluring smells coming from a mixture of bratwursts searing on hot coals; schnitzels getting deep-fried to perfection in hot vats; sauerkraut simply simmering; festive music, rides, games, and kids stuck on a wall' No, it's not a dream, it is some of the many sites Soldiers and family members could take part in during Fort Hood's annual Oktoberfest located at Fort Hood Stadium, Oct. 23.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Kalsu, Iraq (Oct. 25, 2009)--Gen. Carter Ham, U.S. Army Europe commanding general, spends time with Soldiers assigned to 9th Engineer Battalion and 172nd Support Battalion here Oct. 25. The Brigade is scheduled to redeploy back to Germany in November after a successful year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq (Oct. 25, 2009)--Gen. Carter Ham, U.S. Army Europe commanding general, expresses his gratitude by awarding coins of excellence to Soldiers assigned to 172nd Infantry Brigade Oct. 25. The Brigade is scheduled to redeploy back to Germany in November following a successful year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The U.S. Army Garrison Brussels hosted a Military Retiree Appreciation Day for the Benelux community on Oct. 20. Nearly 50 U.S. military retirees and spouses from throughout the region took advantage of all or portions of the day-long event.

Members of the U.S. Army Europe and Heidelberg military community remembered 178 service members' children interred in Frankfurt's main cemetery during a national Make A Difference Day project Oct. 24.

Soldiers, Army civilians and their family members grabbed the KMC (Kaiserslautern military community) Unit Strength Award - the huge trophy - Oct. 24 at the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern's 2009 Red Ribbon Run on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.
What started out and remained a friendly challenge, the Unit Strength Award made its debut at this year's event and was a competition between the three military services in the KMC - the Army, Air Force and Navy, said Heather Robinson, the garrison's Army Substance Abuse Program prevention coordinator.

HEIDELBERG, Germany - A firefighting training officer from Installation Management Command-Europe's Firefighting Training Center in Ansbach recently completed training at Mikhail Kogalniceanu International Airport, Romania, Oct. 20 as part of an effort to enhance interoperability and capability at the site of U.S. Army Europe's Joint Task Forces-East. JAfA1/4rgen Schwab, Ansbach training center's training officer, and Hubert Karl, contractor HFW, provided five days of hands-on training to approximately 30 Romanian firefighters from the Mikhail Kogalniceanu (MK) International Airport.

Allison Peltz may be new to her job as principal, but her face has graced the halls of PHES before - when she was a student 40 years ago.
After hearing she would lead a school she once attended, Peltz said she was excited, since she "has great memories of being here as a child."
Previously assistant-principal in Okinawa, Japan, Peltz believes she can create strong connections with parents and students in her new community.

SCHINNEN, Netherlands - Play Group is just one of the services offered through USAG Schinnen's New Parent Support Program, serving military families in the Tri-Border region of the Netherlands and Germany.